Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week I got an email (with a photo attached) from a friend in another city telling me that there were some adolescent cygnets on our lake. I loved the fluffy grey charmers and when himself got up we decided to go and look for them.
At our first stop there were Pelicans. Some of these photos make me smile rather a lot.
Doesn't that beak open a looooong way?
We continued to wander around the lake...
I do love these bird sculptures.
Then a dusky moorhen (or swamp chicken).
Then a delightful bridge across a pond.
Then a pied cormorant - sunbaking in the winter sun.
There were plenty of adult black swans, but we didn't see any cygnets. Are we disappointed? No. We spent a very happy couple of hours wandering around in the sun, and it is the perfect excuse to go back again next week.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week I got an email (with a photo attached) from a friend in another city telling me that there were some adolescent cygnets on our lake. I loved the fluffy grey charmers and when himself got up we decided to go and look for them.
At our first stop there were Pelicans. Some of these photos make me smile rather a lot.
Doesn't that beak open a looooong way?
We continued to wander around the lake...
I do love these bird sculptures.
Then a dusky moorhen (or swamp chicken).
Then a delightful bridge across a pond.
Then a pied cormorant - sunbaking in the winter sun.
There were plenty of adult black swans, but we didn't see any cygnets. Are we disappointed? No. We spent a very happy couple of hours wandering around in the sun, and it is the perfect excuse to go back again next week.
Wow that pelican with it's mouth open reminds me of my mother! Ha. I love the bridge across the pond. I can see why you had such a good time!
ReplyDeleteLL Cool Joe: That bridge is gorgeous isn't it? Practical - and beautiful.
DeleteEvery single one of these pictures is wonderful. I especially love the first two, and the last one, with the sparkling water and beautiful wings. I can see why you are smiling, and thanks for sharing both your smiles and your pictures with me! :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: It was a lovely, lovely day. Cool sunshine and birds and water. I really couldn't ask for a lot more.
DeleteLove the pelicans in a row. Was the one yawning?
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: Yawning, or exercising its jaw. It did a bit of grooming - and then put its head under its wing and dozed. While I gawped.
DeleteVery nice shots! I love pelicans - they are so magnificent with those amazing beaks.
ReplyDeleteKathleen Cassen Mickelson: We have seen pelicans at this spot a few times now - and always stop to see whether they are there. Magnificent indeed.
DeleteEven if you didn't find the cygnets, you got some great shots of other birds. And so close!
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: They really didn't care whether we were there or not. Which is lovely. And we will look for the cygnets again next week.
DeleteSo good to see you two getting out and about again. This is a lovely park and the Pelicans are a hoot. I guess we know now that birds do yawn :) The prize, if I can pick one out of all of the beautiful, reflective pictures, is the Cormorant ... those pictures are absolutely surreal. I hope you do go back next week, but I'll warn you, the cignets may not be the fluffy gray charmers by then ... they grow up very fast. Wonderful post EC ... Have a good week :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
Andrie Priebe: The cygnets were certainly fluffy, grey and charming, but were also a long way from the fuzz ball stage. They had the full swan shape and I image they are indeed growing fast. I hope to see them though.
DeleteAnd yes, I love the Cormorant too.
Pelican are such fascinating-looking birds...Nature at its most creative.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week, EC. :)
Lee: And the natural world is VERY creative. And often beautiful. I hope you and the furry overlords have a wonderful week too.
DeleteA wonderful bird is the pelican,
ReplyDeleteHis bill will hold more than his belican,
He can take in his beak
Enough food for a week
But I'm damned if I see how the helican!
My Mother used to recite a version if this to us when we were kids ~ but I see today that it was written by an American poet and humorist called Dixon Lanier Merritt (1879-1972)
P.S. I have seen those statues and photographed them too :). Have a wonderful Sunday EC!
Carol in Cairns: I grew up with that poem too. And have rather a lot of photos of those bird statues. I can't go past them without taking another.
DeleteHave a great week.
I was going to add that when I took my photos, I was surprised at how the statues just got lost amongst the busy backdrop of trees. I was a bit disappointed. You can't help photographing them because of where they are, but they are difficult subject matter.
DeleteCarol in Cairns: You are right. They are lovely things, look good where they are, and are difficult to photograph. Which is part of the reason I have so many attempts stashed in my folders.
DeleteDear god, I've seen lots of big beaks in my time, but NEVER one as big as that!
ReplyDeleteAnd those sculptures ... beautiful! And the pied cormorant sunbaking in the winter sun ... magnificent!
All in all made for a jolly good post. Have a good weekend, EC :)
Wendy: It was amazing wasn't it? I know that pelicans have a huge pouch - but to see it on display like that...
DeleteIt really was a delightful couple of hours in the sun - and I am glad you enjoyed it with me.
I could stay there all day watching the birds, love how they are all lined up, the bird sculptures and the stone path across the water.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: The pelicans seem to have claimed the fence outside the children's bathing pool - though I suspect they are absent in summer. It really is a lovely place, and I am more than happy to share the joy.
DeleteYou got some terrific shots there.
ReplyDeleteDelores: Thank you. I missed an equal number - but had a wonderful outing.
DeleteThe weather photographed as beautifully as the birds!
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: It was an absolutely perfect winter's day. Today is very grey - and damp which I welcome for different reasons.
DeleteGreat photos, especially the pelicans. I once saw two pelicans fighting over one fish. They both had it in their beaks and neither was giving up. It went on for some minutes. I thought cormorants did that to cool down, but clearly to warm by the sun too.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: When I have seen cormorants with their wings outstretched before I thought it was to day off, but this one was dry so I can only assume it was basking (like rather a lot of people) in the sun. I would have loved to have seen the pelican battle.
Deletefeathers and wings.....such a brilliant idea.
ReplyDeletebig windy grace to yours:)
-Jennifer
Jennifer Richardson: Feathered enchantment. All of them.
DeleteMy dad would have absolutely adored the pelican photos... he had a real 'thing' about pelicans. Me? I love 'em all, although I must confess to being glad pigeons aren't as big as cows. ;-)
ReplyDeleteJacquelineand...: My father had a soft spot for pelicans as well. I am grateful that rather a lot of birds are smaller than a cow. Cow sized vultures? And a cow sized raptor would be a challenge - and would likely have a big appetite too.
DeleteCow sized pigeons - there's a horrifying thought. No one could ever hang their sheets on the line again.
DeleteRiver: A really, really scary thought.
DeleteAll good but I love the pelicans!
ReplyDeleteJ Cosmo Newbery: I smile just thinking about them.
DeleteWhat a delightful bouquet of birds! Uplifting as a feather on a breeze 🐦
ReplyDeleteCloudia: Thank you. Rather a lot of feathers on the breezes.
DeleteWater birds are wonderful. I have a soft spot for Pelicans.
ReplyDeleteAnd, there's something especially serene about the mix of calming water and watching birds.
A very lovely way to spend a few hours.
Those sculptures are awesome. Inspirational.
Vicki: It was a really lovely few hours. Serene and beautiful. And I stop in on those bird sculptures every time I am in the neighbourhood.
DeleteWhat a lovely outing! I'm not surprised you have lots of photos of the bird statues - how could you resist?
ReplyDeleteThe pelicans are great, but the cormorant is stunning.
We must be having your yesterday today - it is a gorgeous sunny day with no suggestion of cloud or wind.
Have a good week, EC.
Alexia: We had a couple of perfect days. It is raining at the moment, and forecast to continue - which is also good. It had got very, very dry.
DeleteAnd a great week to you too.
Those are really amazing photos. I'm constantly in awe that you live near so much wildlife. And I was thinking, damn, that beak is amazing!
ReplyDeleteRiot Kitty: There is room for a very big picnic in that beak. My city is sometimes known as the 'bush capital' and we do get a lot of wildlife - which I love.
DeleteMaybe no cygnets but oh my goodness, you got some great, great photos. I love the pelican with its beak open wider than wide. Enlarged this photos show so much detail. Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: If the weather lets us (raining at the moment and predicted to continue) we will go and look for the cygnets again. It was a lovely day anyway. Really lovely.
DeleteWhat gorgeous photos. Love the pelicans. So nice that you can visit these natural habitats and so nice that you share the pictures with us. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteMyrna R.: Thank you. I am always happy to share my obsessions.
DeleteWhat fabulous photos and what a wonderful couple of hours you had.
ReplyDeleteWhen Phil worked on the top floor of Homeswest in the city he would love to watch the pelicans riding the thermals high above the Swan River. They are one of his favourite birds so I must show him these pics of yours.
Those bird sculptures are very realistic and love that stone bridge too.
I don't think we've anything as lovely as that in Perth.
Mimsie: I would love to see pelicans riding the thermals. They look so ungraceful taking off - and so glorious when they have lift-off. This park is very close to the centre of the city and is enjoyed by lots of workers every lunch time. Joggers, walkers, lovers. It is a beautiful place. And the location for Floriade which is only a month away...
DeleteOh, the stone bridge is wonderful. I love any kind of stone structure.
ReplyDeletePractical Parsimony: Me too. Photos of dry stone walls always fascinate me - I would love to see one.
DeleteLol at the pelicans! Brilliant shot of the one with the open beak - it's just a big fish scoop.
ReplyDeletelynners: A HUGE fish scoop. And I knew that they had a huge pouch, but don't think I have ever seen it on display before.
DeleteThat 3rd and 4th picture made me smile too! :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a lovely walk around the lake.
The Furries of Whisppy: It was a really lovely walk. And a reminder that we should do it more often. Today is grey, windy and busy but with luck (and some management) we will get out again soon.
DeleteWhat great shots of the pelicans...and those bird sculptures are amazing. I decided to join in so here is my link if you want to see my latest pics...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.livingfromhappiness.com/using-creativity/
Donna@LivingFromHappiness: I am so pleased to joined in this week - and loved your photos.
DeleteGorgeous photos EC, I am a particular fan of Pelicans, in fact they are my favourite bird and your photos of them really bought a smile to my face today. And the bird sculptures are amazing. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteKakka: Pelicans are incredible birds. I love them too and, since I went to Antarctica have got out of the habit of calling them albatrosses. I knew it was wrong as soon as it came out of my mouth - but kept doing it. No more.
DeleteAnd your lovely images have just made me feel as though I spent some very happy moments wandering around with you in the sun, thank you
ReplyDeleteKim: I am a happy snapper rather than, like you, a photographer - but I am very glad to have shared the joy.
DeleteThose sculptures are great and I love the bridge being made from rock instead of wood or metal. Does it ever flood over or is the pond regulated by waterfall or gates? Pelicans are amusing to watch. I remember the angry fishermen at the pier when I was younger. The birds are quite the thieves around buckets of caught fish. :)
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: When the water level is high the water laps at that bridge - but I have never seen it over it. Mind you, we have been very dry for a number of years now. A friend told me that while she was admiring a pelican it ambled over and snatches her lunch from her hand. Skilled thieves.
DeleteMagnificent photos as usual EC. Love the first one, and the cormorant shots, in particular. A beautiful spot you've shared, thank you.
ReplyDeleteJackie K: It is a beautiful haven - in the heart of the city. The pelicans and the cormorants are a very beautiful bonus. And work is already underway for Floriade. A different kind of beauty.
DeleteI have learned so much from your blog, EC. It's interesting to see how different things are there, compared to where I live. I'm glad you and your other half got away for this outing. It lifts the spirits to get out into nature in a place different from "the usual".
ReplyDeletejenny_o: It is one of the wonders of the blogosphere that we are invited into so many other lives. So much beauty - the world around. And I really appreciate the intimacy of it.
DeletePelicans are fascintating. Growing up, they were shore birds and being in landlocked Kansas I never saw one until I went to a zoo. Last year we saw lots of pelicans at the Salt Flats in Oklahoma on our way to New Mexico. Never expected to see them in middle America!
ReplyDeleteBookie: We are landlocked in my city - but the pelicans have found and colonised our (artificial) lake. Which is the better for it.
DeleteGreat pictures! I had not seen pelicans in Paris …. So when we went on vacation to Florida the first time I could not stop taking their pictures and observing them. I still do when I go there. That certainly was a worthwhile photo op for you.
ReplyDeleteVagabonde: It was a worthwhile wander on so many levels. The birds were a delight, but just wandering around in the cool sun made it all worth it. So very worth it.
DeleteI love, love, love the third photo - showing that bucket of a beak! And the sculptures are nearly as lovely as the live birds. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous photos!
ReplyDeleteSusan F.: Bucket of a beak is the perfect description. I was blown away at the size of it. And how relaxed they all were soaking up the sun.
Delete--I am smiling rather A Lot, too. ")
ReplyDeletePelicans. What FABULOUS, Magical birds.
xx Love from MN.
My Inner Chick: Days later they are still making me smile. Hugs.
DeleteThis sounds silly but next time you see a pelican please tell her/him that Barbara from Canada says hello. I have never seen a pelican before.
ReplyDeleteBirdie: It will be my pleasure. I don't think they will answer - but I will certainly tell them.
DeleteThose pelicans are SO cool looking!
ReplyDeleteStephanie Faris: Very, very cool. And beautiful. And totally 'laxed.
Deletepelicans are sooo cool :O)
ReplyDeleteAuthor R. Mac Wheeler: They are. Super cool.
DeleteA great place for wandering. Terrific shots, love the pelicans!
ReplyDeleteKaren: It is a great place to wander. Mostly level too which is a plus. And I loved it all.
DeleteWow - stunning shots of the birds. Just amazing!
ReplyDeleteladyfi: They were magical to see. Not least because they were totally relaxed with people around.
DeleteI love all of the beautiful birds.. they seem to be smiling back at you :) I hope you are well n happy.
ReplyDeletePam:): I hope they were as happy to see us as we were to see them. But doubt it.
DeleteDear EC, clearly someone was walking with you as you took these delightful photographs. Was that your "significant other" or another friend? If the former than I'm so glad that he's feeling well enough to go out and walk for two hours. That's marvelous news. Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee: It was indeed the smaller portion. And he managed the walk better than I did. Which is wonderful.
DeleteI love pelicans! And I especially love your shot of the one with his beak open. He's waiting for a fish to drop in out of the sky :)
ReplyDeleteCarol Kilgore: Or expressing his complete boredom. Or fatigue. It was a hoot to see - and a lucky capture though.
DeleteJust gorgeous, EC, a plethora of birds. Love those pelicans!
ReplyDeleteCarol: I don't see how you could NOT love them. And the cormorant. And the swamp hen...
DeleteWhat evolution has come up with for some creatures does make me laugh.
ReplyDeleteOh... I just looked in the mirror...
Pause for thought
Andrew Maclaren-Scott: I avoid looking in mirrors. And laughter isn't my reaction when I am forced to look in one.
DeleteI tend to look in mirrors, very fixedly, when I feel that I need to give myself a stern talking to (which happens often). Sometimes I even listen to the scolding. Other times I just sneer back.
DeleteAndrew Maclaren-Scott: I tend to give myself a talking to with my eyes shut. Sneering.
DeleteThey all appear perfectly content posing for the camera in every which way. I hadn't seen any of them before, except pelicans. You take great photos, EC. Thanks for sharing glimpses of your world.
ReplyDeleteRawknrobyn: They are all used to people which helps a lot. Not tame, but certainly accustomed to people (including mad women with cameras) in their immediate vicinity.
DeleteI was looking for newborn babies in diapers first, thinking these were photos of storks. Storks and pelicans sure look a lot alike. Your pictures are wonderful as always:)
ReplyDeleteGrannie Annie: I had never considered the similarity between pelicans and storks before - but can see where you are coming from. Thank you.
DeleteI love the stone bridge and I want those bird sculptures in my garden.
ReplyDeleteA funny old bird is the pelican,
his beak can hold more than his belly can.
River: I would like those birds sculptures too. And the water feature they stand in. And that bridge. Greedy but true.
DeleteThese really are some amazing shots. Especially the one of the pelican opening it's mouth - WOW :)
ReplyDeleteOptimistic Existentialist: That beak kept opening and opening and opening...
DeleteThe pied cormorant looks like a queen with a fabulous gown!
ReplyDeleteAs for the pelican with the open mouth. No words, just laughs, hahaha.
Nature is healing, isn't it?
Guyana-Gyal: Nature is healing and calming and beautiful. And frequently makes me chuckle too. When it isn't filling me with awe.
DeleteOh my goodness, those are great!! I had so many opportunities to get pictures of pelicans when we lived in S. Fl., and I never did. I guess I took them for granted and thought we'd always live there. Surprise for me. Wish I'd have gotten the pics though. Your third one down made me laugh: awesome!
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: I did have a lot of fun wandering around. And I never tire of any of our wildlife.
DeleteThe swamp chicken, just the name, makes me laugh. The bird with wings spread out to the sun reminds me of people splayed out on a beach sunbathing or with those mirror things around their heads to concentrate rays (the better to catch skin cancer with methinks). Pelicans make me laugh to, their pouch throats, like your roos, only pouch farther up, or something.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: Swamp chicken is a dreadful name for them. They are vibrant, cheeky charmers.
DeleteAnd yes, I thought of people baking in the sun when I saw the cormorant too. Oiled and ready.
Pelicans make me smile too - and I had never thought of the displaced pouch connection - and will always do so now.
Such delightful photos!!! I do love those pelicans (we "only" have brown pelicans here), especially the images with the wide open bill - wow!!! Those are fantastic shots! The little bridge over the pond is so nice - I would love to cross it.
ReplyDeleteCarola Bartz: Thank you. I hadn't realised that there were 'brown pelicans' until another blogger introduced me to them. And I loved them - but am very fond of ours too. And the open bill was a very lucky shot.
DeleteI love the subtle beauty of that bridge, and it blends into the landscape beautifully.
I used to love watching the pelicans in the bay when I was living in Southern California. They were brown, usually-- so to see a white one was a treat!
ReplyDeleteFurry Bottoms: I have never seen a brown pelican in the feathers. White ones are all we see.
DeleteWell you know I love a good bridge, and that one is indeed just that. I'm no fan of stepping stones, but I don't think I'd fall to my death from those. Big flappy mouths and sculptures too, what more could a gal ask for?
ReplyDeleteAll Consuming: No, the bridge is not death defying. And I suspect you would have enjoyed this wander with me...
DeleteYou caught him with his mouth open. He is not going to like it.
ReplyDelete(I was wondering what would happen if any unwanted thing fell in his mouth at that juncture)
Haddock: Swallow it? Store it for 'ron? I hadn't even thought about that...
DeleteHow did I miss this lovely post??? I love the pelicans - especially that one with the open squawking beak! And the bridge over the pond is enchanting. What a nice visit that was.
ReplyDeleteI've had an off couple of weeks, but am bouncing back and making sure I visit my favorite blogs. And your blog is indeed, one of my favorites. Hope you are well and happy today.
Lynn: I am sorry to hear about your 'offness' and hope you have found your centre again.
DeleteOh, wow! I love these, especially the pelicans. Love the composition of the second shot.
ReplyDeleteDawn@Lighten Up!: Thank you. It is a beautiful place - from any angle.
DeleteWonderful pictures! I LOVE pelicans.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful bird is the pelican;
His beak will hold more than his belican.
He can take in his beak
Food enough for a week,
But I'm damned if I see how the helican.
[Dixon Lanier Merritt- 1910]
Happy weekend!
Susan: I love them too you will be surprised (not) to hear. And grew up with that poem. As it seems did many of my visitors.
DeleteWhat a bridge! I do wonder if they would build such a one here since it's clearly not great for wheelchairs, and there are now a lot of laws about equal access.
ReplyDeleteSnowbrush: I suspect most wheelchairs would have little trouble with it. I have certainly seen people pushing prams and strollers across it with no difficulty. There is another more 'mainstream' bridge not far away.
DeleteWe too have lots of laws about equal access. Laws which are sometimes flouted. I recently went to a five star hotel which had an epic fail on that front. You could get around in a wheelchair - if you found a guide to take you through the staff areas of the hotel. Which peeved me.
Wonderful photos, this post makes me think of my mother who is a real bird lover :)
ReplyDeletetotallycaroline: Welcome, and thank you. My mother liked birds, but I have become obsesssed...
DeleteWould you still have the patterns for the big cats cross stitch as I had it I have the cotton and aida but I have lost the pattern
ReplyDeletemel124au@gmail.com: Somewhere, but it wouldn't be easy to find. I made it a long time ago. What made you comment here?
Delete